As for my background, I started writing professionally about 10 years ago. I've written for The Washington Post, Entertainment Weekly, Vibe, and Spin, among other publications. Much of my journalistic work deals with music, and I've served as Pop Music Critic for the Buffalo News and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. I also wrote a biography of the late, great R&B singer, Luther Vandross: Luther: The Life and Longing of Luther Vandross.

I've spent a lot of my life in school (something I don't necessarily recommend, but it is what it is). I hold a Ph.D. in American Studies from the University of Maryland in College Park, and am Associate Professor of Journalism at Northern Illinois University.

So, what's up with me now? I still write a lot (currently working on a novel), listen to lots of music (check out my DJ site for my music mixes), go to strip clubs (hit me up if u wanna "wing"), and love taking pictures.

My motto is: dream big and go for exactly what you want in life. Lots of crazy, cool shit will happen. Trust.